Although single plants may be used on their own or as part of a scheme, a much more harmonious and bolder effect is achieved by planting in groups or drifts, particularly with small plants. This avoids the jumbled effect that may result from planting of many different single plants.

Growing a group of the same plants together gives a stronger impact, especially when viewed from a distance, and makes any planned colour scheme more emphatic. This is sometimes true even of trees, but is especially the case with perennials, bulbs and annuals - which all look best if arranged in uneven groups of three, five, or seven plants, thus avoiding a regimented look. When deciding which plants to place together, think about how they would grow naturally so that the selection, as well as the grouping of plants is appropriate.

Set plantings of perennials, annuals and bulbs at an angle to the edge of the border, except when you specifically want an edging of plants. Plant them in interlocking, overlapping drifts to allow one group to take over from another and ensure that when out of flower they leave the least gap possible. The exception to this rule is where you are planting in very formal situations, for example in a herb garden, an ornamental potager or a rose garden, when blocks of plants are appropriate.